Basadien opens up on future amid Chiefs, Pirates, Sundowns links

Fawaaz Basadien and Deano van Rooyen. Photo credit: Bafana Bafana

Bafana Bafana and Stellenbosch FC left-back Fawaaz Basadien has addressed speculation linking him with a move to South Africa's football giants.

While acknowledging the appeal of joining a 'big club', the 28-year-old maintains that his immediate focus remains on his performance, despite widespread rumours suggesting Mamelodi Sundowns are leading the chase for his signature.

Basadien, who is set to captain Bafana Bafana in Friday's friendly against Tanzania at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium – a match geared towards preparing Hugo Broos' troops for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers – is among the more experienced faces in a squad featuring several new call-ups.

His consistent standout performances in the PSL and continental level over the past two seasons have made him a hot topic in transfer discussions.

With Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando Pirates all reportedly vying for the Stellies star, Basadien offered a measured response to the media ahead of the upcoming PSL transfer window.

"For me, as I said before, it's about focusing on what I can control," Basadien told journalists in Polokwane on Thursday before Bafana's training session. "Obviously, all the rumours exist, and stuff, it's nice to have that as a player.

"But my main focus is to use whatever opportunity I get to play, to do well, keep doing what I'm doing, keep improving each day. That's my main focus. Whatever happens in the background is just part of the rumours being created."

He added: "For me, in football, there comes a time where you want to achieve greater things and play for the so-called big clubs, or make big moves. It's just about the timing when it's right for you. For me, my main focus is not about wanting to move now. Obviously, I would like it, but my main thing is just to keep on playing and improving each day."

Basadien's impressive contribution at Stellenbosch FC saw him net seven goals and provide eight assists across 46 appearances in all competitions in the just-ended season.

His efforts were instrumental as Stellies secured a third-place finish in the league and reached the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.